Apparatus and method for generating a high power energy beam based laser

ABSTRACT

A system for generating an energy beam based laser includes an apparatus for receiving an energy beam and for generating an energy beam based laser. The apparatus is configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam. The apparatus includes a first component for producing a first magnetic field oriented in a first direction and a second component for producing a second magnetic field oriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. A channel through the apparatus is defined by the first component and the second component through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser at an output of the apparatus. The apparatus is configurable or controllable for modifying at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/784,831,entitled “Apparatus and Method for Magnetic Field Compression,” which isassigned to the same assignee as the present application, filed on thesame date as the present application, and is incorporated herein byreference.

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/785,155,entitled “Apparatus and Method for Magnetic Field Compression Using aToroid Coil Structure,” which is assigned to the same assignee as thepresent application, filed on the same date as the present application,and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for generating alaser and more particularly to an apparatus and method for generating ahigh power energy beam based laser.

BACKGROUND

Free-electron lasers are a type of laser whose lasing medium consists ofvery high speed electrons moving freely through a magnetic structure.The magnetic structure is typically heavy and bulky and thereforepresents limitations on applications of the laser or requires specialaccommodations that may not be practical in some environments.Additionally, such lasers have a fixed output wavelength and are nottunable in real-time. There may also be alignment sensitivities withoptical elements associated with the laser and output powers arelimited. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an apparatus and methodfor generating a high power energy beam based laser that is not subjectto these disadvantages.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a system for generating an energy beambased laser includes an apparatus for receiving an energy beam and forgenerating an energy beam based laser. The apparatus is configurable orcontrollable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generated bythe apparatus using the energy beam. The apparatus includes a firstcomponent for producing a first magnetic field oriented in a firstdirection and a second component for producing a second magnetic fieldoriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the firstdirection. A channel through the apparatus is defined by the firstcomponent and the second component through which the energy beam passesto generate the laser at an output of the apparatus. The apparatus isconfigurable or controllable for modifying at least one of the firstmagnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the outputwavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system for generating an energybeam based laser includes an apparatus for receiving an energy beam andfor generating an energy beam based laser. The apparatus is configurableor controllable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generatedby the apparatus using the energy beam. The apparatus includes a firsttoroid and a first plurality of separate coils wound around the firsttoroid. The first plurality of coils is placed about a circumference ofthe first toroid and each coil generates a first magnetic field inresponse to electric current flowing in the coil. The apparatusadditionally includes a second toroid and a second plurality of separatecoils wound around the second toroid. The second plurality of coils isplaced about a circumference of the second toroid and each coilgenerates a second magnetic field in response to electric currentflowing in the coil. A circular center opening of the first toroid andthe second toroid are in a same plane and the second toroid is disposedadjacent the first toroid at a predetermined distance from the firsttoroid. The apparatus further includes a magnetic or diamagneticmaterial enclosing the first plurality of coils and the second pluralityof coils. An elongated slot is formed in the magnetic or diamagneticmaterial at a location where coils of the first plurality of coils andthe second plurality of coils are closest. The elongated slot extendsradially between two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separatecoils and two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils.The elongated slot defines a channel through which the energy beampasses to generate the laser at an output of the apparatus. Theapparatus is configurable or controllable for modifying at least one ofthe first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning theoutput wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for generating an energybeam based laser includes receiving an energy beam by an apparatus thatis configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of alaser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam. The method alsoincludes producing a first magnetic field oriented in a first directionand producing a second magnetic field oriented in a second directionsubstantially opposite to the first direction. The method additionallyincludes defining a channel through the apparatus through which theenergy beam passes. The method further includes modifying at least oneof the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the channelfor tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the first component includes a first set of elongatedmagnets. Each magnet of the first set of elongated magnets includes anarrow side extending a length of the channel on one side of thechannel. The second component includes a second set of elongatedmagnets. Each magnet of the second set of magnets includes a narrow sideextending a length of the channel on another side of the channel fromthe first set of magnets. A north or south pole at the narrow side ofeach magnet of the first set of magnets is paired with an opposite poleat the narrow side of an associated magnet of the second set of magnetson the other side of the channel.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, a magnetic field tuning magnet or shim is disposed adjacentone or more magnets of the first set of elongated magnets and/or thesecond set of elongated magnets to modify at least one of the firstmagnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the outputwavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, wherein the first component and the second component eachinclude a plurality of tubes of different dimensions. Each smaller tubeextends within a larger tube and each tube includes an electricallyconductive material for generating one of the first magnetic field andthe second magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in theconductive material. The first component and the second component alsoeach include an elongated slot formed in each tube. The elongated slotin each tube is aligned to form a first aperture in the first componentand a second aperture in the second component. The first aperture isaligned with the second aperture to form the channel through theapparatus in which the first magnetic field and the second magneticfield are both compressed in response to the electric current flowing inthe conductive material of each tube.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, wherein each of the plurality of tubes include a substrateincluding an inner surface and an outer surface. An inside layer ofelectrically conductive material or semiconductor material is disposedon the inner surface of each substrate of those tubes that encloseanother tube of the plurality of tubes. An outside layer of electricallyconductive material or semiconductor material is disposed on the outersurface of each substrate of those tubes that are enclosed by anothertube of the plurality of tubes.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the substrate includes one of an electrical insulatormaterial, an electrical semiconductor material or an electricalconductive material and wherein the inside layer and the outside layerof electrically conductive material or semiconductor material comprise asuperconducting material.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, an electric current supply is electrically connected toeach inside layer of electrically conductive material and each outsidelayer of electrically conductive material for generating an electriccurrent flow in each layer of electrically conductive material and acompressed first magnetic field and second magnetic field in thechannel.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, each electric current supply is adjustable for adjusting abalance of currents among the plurality of tubes and modifying at leastone of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field across thechannel for tuning the output wavelength of the laser. The electriccurrents include one of continuous electric currents, alternatingelectric currents or pulsed electric currents.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, at least one of the inside layer of electrically conductivematerial or the outside layer of electrically conductive materialincludes a plurality of ridges for modulating the electric currentflowing in the layer of electrically conductive material for modifyingat least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic fieldacross the channel for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the first component includes a first toroid and a firstplurality of separate coils wound around the first toroid. The firstplurality of coils is placed about a circumference of the first toroidand each coil generates a first magnetic field in response to electriccurrent flowing in the coil. The second component includes a secondtoroid and a second plurality of separate coils wound around the secondtoroid. The second plurality of coils is placed about a circumference ofthe second toroid and each coil generates a second magnetic field inresponse to electric current flowing in the coil. A circular centeropening of the first toroid and the second toroid are in a same planeand the second toroid is disposed adjacent the first toroid at apredetermined distance from the first toroid. The apparatus furtherincludes a magnetic or diamagnetic material enclosing the firstplurality of coils and the second plurality of coils. An elongated slotis formed in the magnetic or diamagnetic material at a location wherecoils of the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coilsare closest. The elongated slot extends radially between two adjacentcoils of the first plurality of separate coils and two adjacent coils ofthe second plurality of separate coils. The elongated slot defines thechannel through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the first toroid, the first plurality of coils around thefirst toroid, the second toroid and the second plurality of coils aroundthe second toroid include opposite rounded ends connected by elongatedsides.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previous embodiment,each of the coils includes a uniform radial width.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, a first group of the coils of the first plurality of coilsand a second group of coils of the second plurality of coils eachinclude a size that respectively gradually decrease over about half orless than about a circumference of each of the first toroid and thesecond toroid from respective pairs of points on each toroid that arespaced about half or less than about the circumference apart on eachtoroid to modify the first magnetic field and the second magnetic fieldin the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separatecoils and the two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separatecoils that are proximate the elongated slot are rotated a predeterminednumber of degrees with respect to the elongated slot to modify at leastone of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in theelongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the predetermined distance between the first toroid and thesecond toroid is changed to modify the first magnetic field and thesecond magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the outputwavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, a segment of magnetic or diamagnetic material is insertedinto a selected location in the elongated slot to modify at least one ofthe first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongatedslot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, a variable electric current supply is electricallyconnected to at least coils proximate the elongated slot, wherein theelectric current flowing in the coils is modulated to modify at leastone of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in theelongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

In accordance with another embodiment or any of the previousembodiments, the apparatus is configurable or controllable for tuningthe output wavelength of the laser by at least one of: rotating coilsproximate the elongated slot a predetermined number of degrees withrespect to the elongated slot to modify at least one of the firstmagnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot fortuning the output wavelength of the laser; decreasing a radial width ofcoils proximate the slot to modify at least one of the first magneticfield and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning theoutput wavelength of the laser; adjusting the predetermined distancebetween the first toroid and the second toroid to modify at least one ofthe first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongatedslot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser; inserting a segmentof magnetic or diamagnetic material into a selected location in theelongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field andthe second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the outputwavelength of the laser; and modulating the electric current flowing inthe coils to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and thesecond magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the outputwavelength of the laser.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference tothe following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system forgenerating a high power energy beam based laser in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for use as aquantum well in a system for generating a high power energy beam basedlaser in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an end view of the exemplary apparatus in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example of another apparatus for useas a quantum well in a system for generating a high power energy beambased laser in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B is an end view of the exemplary apparatus in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a detailed end view of one components of the exemplaryapparatus in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating electrical connection to thetubes of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of asubstantially cylindrically shaped tube for use in the apparatus ofFIGS. 3A-3C in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of a tube foruse in the exemplary apparatus in FIGS. 3A-3C in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of nonconcentric tubes foruse in the exemplary apparatus in FIGS. 3A-3C in accordance with afurther embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are each a perspective view of an example of anapparatus for use as a quantum well in a system for generating a highpower energy beam based laser in accordance with a further embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIGS.7A-7B taken along lines 7C-7C in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the magnetic field measured across anelongated slot in a direction perpendicular to a longest dimension ofthe elongated slot in the magnetic or diamagnetic material in FIG. 7B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are each a view of a portion of the apparatus in FIGS.7A and 7B illustrating an example of the coils being rotated in theelongated slot or channel of the apparatus to modify the magnetic fieldsin the elongated slot in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a view of a portion of the apparatus in FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrating an example of a segment of magnetic or diamagnetic materialbeing inserted into one or more selected locations in the elongated slotto modify the magnetic field in the elongated slot in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example of a method for generating a highpower energy beam based laser in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an example of a method for tuning an outputof an energy beam based laser in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of embodiments refers to theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of thedisclosure. Other embodiments having different structures and operationsdo not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like referencenumerals may refer to the same element or component in the differentdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system 100 forgenerating a high power energy beam based laser 102 in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure. An example of the high powerenergy beam based laser 102 is between about one (1) kilowatt andhundreds of megawatts of continuous or pulsed laser power. The system100 includes an energy source 104 for generating an energy beam 106. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the energy source 104 is an energy sourcethat generates one of an electron beam, an ion beam or other type energybeam or charged particle beam. Accordingly, the energy beam 106 is oneof an electron beam, an ion beam or other type energy beam or chargeparticle beam. The system 100 also includes an apparatus 108 forreceiving the energy beam 106, for generating the high power energy beambased laser 102 using the input energy beam 106, and for real-timevariable wavelength operation. In accordance with an embodiment, theapparatus 108 is a quantum well structure that is configuredspecifically to an energy structure best suited for the energy beambased laser 102. The apparatus 108 is configurable or controllable fortuning in real-time an output wavelength (λ) 110 of the laser 102generated by the apparatus 108 using the input energy beam 106 asdescribed herein in more detail with respect to the differentembodiments of the apparatus 108. In accordance with an embodiment, thelaser 102 is directed on an object 112 to perform an operation on theobject 112. Examples of the operations performed on the object 112include but are not limited to manufacturing operations, cuttingoperations, welding operations, surgical operations, or other operationswhere a free-electron laser is applicable.

The apparatus 108 includes a first component 114 for producing a firstmagnetic field 116 oriented in a first direction 118. The apparatus 108also includes a second component 120 for producing a second magneticfield 122 oriented in a second direction 124 substantially opposite tothe first direction 118. The second direction 124 may be substantiallyopposite the first direction 118 in that that the second direction 124may not be exactly opposite the first direction 118, or in anotherembodiment, the second magnetic field 122 may be in a directionintentionally offset from being in a direction exactly opposite thefirst magnetic field 116 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of thelaser 102 similar to that described herein.

A channel 126 through the apparatus 108 is defined by the firstcomponent 114 and the second component 120 through which the energy beam106 passes to generate the laser 102 at an output 128 of the apparatus108. The apparatus 108 is configurable or controllable for modifying atleast one of the first magnetic field 116 or the second magnetic field122 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102. Examples ofdifferent embodiments of the apparatus 108 will be described withreference to FIGS. 2A-2B, FIGS. 3A-3C, FIG. 6, FIGS. 7A-7C, FIGS. 9A-9Band FIG. 10.

In accordance with an embodiment, a seed coherent source of radiation130, such as a laser or microwave source that has a lower power than thehigh power energy beam laser 102 directs a coherent electromagnetic beam132 of some type into the channel 126 or lasing medium created in thechannel 126 by the energy beam 106 or particle beam. Examples of typesthe coherent electromagnetic beams 132 include infrared, light, x-ray,etc. The high power energy beam 102 is generated from the coherentelectromagnetic energy beam 132.

In accordance with another embodiment, a fully reflective mirror 134 ispositioned proximate a front end of the channel 126 and asemi-reflective mirror 136 or half-reflective mirror is positionedproximate an opposite end of the channel 126 or output 128 of theapparatus 108. In this embodiment, the high power energy beam basedlaser 102 is generated by self-amplification by the energy beam 106 orlight beam being reflected back and forth between the mirrors 134 and136 within the channel 126 or lasing medium in the channel 126.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus 200 for useas a quantum well in a system for generating a high power energy beambased laser in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2B is an end view of the exemplary apparatus 200 in FIG. 1A. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the apparatus 200 is used for theapparatus 108 in in the system 100 in FIG. 1. The apparatus 200 includesa first set of elongated magnets 202 a-202 d and a second set ofelongated magnets 204 a-204 d. The first set of elongated magnets 202a-202 d correspond to the first component 114 of apparatus 108 inFIG. 1. The second set of magnets 204 a-204 d correspond to the secondcomponent 120 in FIG. 1. Each magnet 202 of the first set of magnets 202a-202 d includes a narrow side 206 that extends a longitudinal length“L” of the channel 126 on one side 208 (FIG. 2B) of the channel 126.Each magnet 204 of the second set of magnets 204 a-204 d includes anarrow side 210 extending the longitudinal length “L” of the channel 126on another side 212 of the channel 126 from the first set of magnets 202a-202 d. A north or south pole 214 at the narrow side 206 of each magnet202 of the first set of magnets 202 a-202 d is paired with an oppositepole 216 at the narrow side 210 of an associated magnet 204 of thesecond set of magnets 204 a-204 d on the other side 212 of the channel126.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first set of elongated magnets 202a-202 d and the second set of elongated magnets 204 a-204 d arepermanent magnets. In other embodiments, the first set of elongatedmagnets 202 a-202 d and the second set of elongated magnets 204 a-204 dare electromagnets or other types of magnets. While the first set ofelongated magnets 202 a-202 d and the second set of magnets 204 a-204 dare shown as each including four magnets, each set of magnets mayinclude any number of elongated magnets and the magnets may be any sizedepending upon the size and application of the apparatus 200.

The apparatus 200 further includes a magnetic field tuning magnet 218 orshim disposed adjacent one or more magnets 202 or 204, or between one ormore adjacent magnets 202 or 204 of the first set of elongated magnets202 a-202 d and/or the second set of elongated magnets 204 a-204 d tomodify at least one of the first magnetic field 116 (FIG. 1) and thesecond magnetic field 122 (FIG. 1) for tuning the output wavelength 110of the laser 102.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example of another apparatus 300 foruse as a quantum well in a system for generating a high power energybeam based laser in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 3B is an end view of the exemplary apparatus 300 inFIG. 3A. In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus 300 is used forthe apparatus 108 in the system 100 in FIG. 1. The apparatus 300 issimilar to the apparatus 600 described in U.S. application Ser. No.15/784,831, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Magnetic FieldCompression,” which is assigned to the same assignee as the presentapplication and is incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus 300includes a first component 302 a and a second component 302 b. Each ofthe components 302 a and 302 b is similar to the apparatus 100 in FIGS.1A-1B in in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/784,831. The first component302 a is substantially identical to the second component 302 b. Thefirst component 302 a and the second component 302 d each include aplurality of tubes 304 a-304 d of different dimensions or diameters. Inthe exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the tubes 304 a-304 dare nonconcentric and cylindrically shaped and each tube 304 a-304 dincludes a different diameter. In other embodiments, the tubes 304 a-304d are non-cylindrically shaped. For example, each tube 304 a-304 d issubstantially rectangular shaped similar to that illustrated in theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. Other embodiments includetubes 304 a-304 d having other types of non-cylindrical shapes dependingupon the design of the apparatus 300 or 108 in FIG. 1 or particularapplication or use of the apparatus 300 or 108 or the system 100. Inaccordance with other embodiments, the apparatus 300 includes two tubes304 a and 304 b or any number of tubes 304 a-304 n depending upon thedesign and application of the apparatus 300 or system 100 in FIG. 1. Thedimension or diameter of the tubes 304 a-304 d is also based on thedesign and application of the apparatus 300. In accordance with theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the tubes 304 a-304 d arenonconcentric in that a center or longitudinal axis of each tube 304a-304 d is offset or spaced a predetermined distance from a center orlongitudinal axis of a subsequent or adjacent outer tube. In otherembodiments, the tubes 304 a-304 d are concentric or have some otherconfiguration.

Each smaller tube 304 is disposed within a larger tube 304 of theplurality of tubes 304 a-304 b and extends within the larger tube 304and parallel with the larger tube 304. Each tube 304 a-304 d includes anelectrically conductive material 306 or semiconductor material forgenerating a magnetic field, illustrated by arrows 308 a and 308 b, inresponse to electric current 310 a and 310 b respectively flowing in theconductive material 306 of the tubes 304 a-304 d of the first component302 a and the second component 302 b. As described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 3C and 4, the conductive material 306 is on an outersurface of some tubes 304 a-304 d, an inner surface of some tubes 304a-304 d, or on both an outer surface and inner surface depending uponwhether the tube 304 is enclosed by another larger tube or the tubeencloses another smaller tube and a magnetic field is to be generated ina gap between adjacent tubes 304 a-304 d by current flowing in oppositedirections in the conductive material 306 in the adjacent tubes 304a-304 d. Generally, the conductive material 306 is placed on the facingor opposing surfaces of adjacent tubes 304 a-304 d to generate amagnetic field 308 in the gap between the adjacent tubes 304 a-304 d inresponse to electric current 310 flowing in opposite directions in theconductive material 306 of the adjacent tubes 304 a-304 d. Examples ofthe electrically conductive material 306 will be described in moredetail with reference to FIG. 4. In accordance with an embodiment, anelectric current supply 316 is electrically connected across theelectrically conductive material 306 of each tube 304 a-304 d of eachcomponent 302 a and 302 b to cause electric current 310 to flow in theelectrically conductive material 306 of the tubes 304 a-304 d.

An elongated slot 312, as best shown in FIG. 3B, is formed in each tube304 a-304 d. The elongated slot 312 in each tube 304 a-304 d is alignedto form a first aperture 314 a in the first component 302 a and a secondaperture 314 b in the second component 302 b. The first aperture 314 ais aligned with the second aperture 314 b to form the channel 126(FIG. 1) through the apparatus 300 through which the energy beam 106passes to generate the laser 102 at an output 128 of the apparatus 300.The first magnetic field 308 a and the second magnetic field 308 b areboth compressed in the channel 126 as described in more detail withreference to FIG. 3C in response to the electric current 310 a and 310 bflowing in the conductive material 306 of each tube 304 a-304 d togenerate the laser 102 or laser beam. As described in more detailherein, the electric current supply 316 or supplies are adjustablecurrent supplies for adjusting or modulating at least one of theelectric currents 310 a and 310 b flowing in the conductive material 306for modifying at least one of the first magnetic field 308 a or thesecond magnetic field 308 b across the channel 126 for tuning the outputwavelength (λ) 110 of the energy beam based laser 102.

FIG. 3C is a detailed end view of one of the components 302 a or 302 bof the exemplary apparatus 300 in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustratingelectrical connection to the nonconcentric tubes 304 a-304 d of theapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Aspreviously described the first component 302 a and the second component302 b are substantially identical. The tubes 304 a-304 d are held inposition relative to one another by a suitable support structure 318.For example, the support structure 318 includes one or more supportmembers 320 extending between adjacent tubes 304 a-304 d. In accordancewith an embodiment, the support members 320 are positioned at oppositeends 322 (FIG. 3A) of the tubes 304 a-304 d and/or at intermediatelocations within the tubes 304 a-304 d. The support members 320 are madefrom a material and are attached to the tubes 304 a-304 d by a suitablefastening arrangement that substantially minimizes or prevents anyinterference with the electric current flow 310 a/310 b or magneticfield 308 a/308 b or fields generated in the apparatus 300.

Referring also to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view ofan example of a substantially cylindrically shaped tube 400 for anapparatus for generating a high power energy beam based laser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordancewith an example, the substantially cylindrically shaped tube 400 is usedfor the tubes 304 a-304 d for the components 302 a and 302 b of theexemplary apparatus 300 in FIGS. 3A-3C. The tube 400 or tubes 304 a-304d are substantially cylindrically shaped in that the tubes may not beexactly cylindrically shaped and as described herein include anelongated slot 312 formed in each tube 400 and 304 a-304 d. Inaccordance with an embodiment, each of the plurality of tubes 304 a-304d include a substrate 402. The substrate 402 includes an inner surface404 and an outer surface 406. An inside layer 408 of electricallyconductive material 306 or semiconductor material is disposed on theinner surface 404 of at least each substrate 402 of those tubes 304 thatenclose another tube 304 of the plurality of tubes 304 a-304 d. Anoutside layer 410 of electrically conductive material 306 orsemiconductor material is disposed on the outer surface 406 of eachsubstrate 402 of at least those tubes 304 that are enclosed by anothertube 304 of the plurality of tubes 304 a-304 d of each component 302 aand 302 b of the apparatus 300.

Also referring back to FIG. 3C, an inner most tube 304 a includes anoutside layer 410 ao of electrically conductive material 306. Anelectric current supply 316 ao is electrically connected to the outsidelayer 410 ao of electrically conductive material 306 for generatingcurrent flow in the outside layer 410 ao of electrically conductivematerial 306. A second inner most tube 304 b includes an inside layer408 bi of electrically conductive material 306. An electric currentsupply 316 bi is electrically connected to the inside layer 408 bi ofelectrically conductive material 306 for generating current flow in theinside layer 408 bi of electrically conductive material 306. Theelectric current supply 316 ao and 316 bi are configured to causecurrent to flow in opposite directions in outside layer 410 ao andinside layer 408 bi to generate a magnetic field 308 ab in a gap 324 abbetween the tubes 304 a and 304 b that is compressed into the aperture314 to a very high strength or high magnetic flux for generating thehigh power energy beam based laser 102. In accordance with someembodiments, the magnetic field 308 ab is compressed to a very highstrength or high magnetic flux density of up to about ten Tesla (10 T)or higher by the opposite layers 408 and 410 of electrically conductivematerial 306 being a superconducting material as described in moredetail herein.

Similarly, the second inner most tube 304 b includes an outside layer410 bo of electrically conductive material 306 and a third tube 304 cincludes an inside layer 408 ci of electrically conductive material 306.An electric current supply 316 bo is electrically connected across theoutside layer 410 bo of the second inner most tube 304 b and anotherelectric current supply 316 ci is electrically connected across theinside layer 408 ci of the third tube 304 c. Similar to that previouslydescribed, the current supplies 316 bo and 316 ci are configured tocause current to flow in opposite directions in the outside layer 410 boof tube 304 b and opposing or facing inside layer 408 ci of third tube304 c to generate a second magnetic field 308 bc in a gap 324 bc betweensecond tube 304 b and third tube 304 c.

The third tube 304 c also includes an outside layer 410 co ofelectrically conductive material 306 and a fourth tube 304 d includes aninside layer 408 di of electrically conductive material 306. An electriccurrent supply 316 co is electrically connected across the outside layer410 co of the third tube 304 c and another electric current supply 316di is electrically connected across the inside layer 408 di of thefourth tube 304 d. Similar to that previously described, the currentsupplies 316 co and 316 di are configured to cause current to flow inone direction in the outside layer 410 co of tube 304 c and in anopposite direction in the facing inside layer 408 di of fourth tube 304d to generate a third magnetic field 308 cd in a gap 324 cd betweenthird tube 304 c and fourth tube 304 d. The magnetic fields 308generated in the gaps 324 are compressed into the aperture 314 to a veryhigh strength or high magnetic flux. In accordance with someembodiments, the magnetic fields 308 are compressed to a very highstrength or high magnetic flux density of up to about 10 T or higher bythe adjacent inside layers 408 and outside layers 410 of electricallyconductive material 306 being superconducting material as described inmore detail herein. Graphs illustrating compression of the magneticfields in the aperture 314 or channel 126 for an apparatus similar toapparatus 300 are shown in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/784,831,entitled “Apparatus and Method for Magnetic Field Compression.” Inaccordance with another embodiment, the electric current supplies 316are replaced by a single current supply and the electric current isdistributed to the layers 408 and 410 of conductive material 306 bydividing the current from the single current supply. The energy beam 106is directed through the channel 126 formed by the aligned apertures 314of both the first component 302 a and the second component 302 b forgenerating the high power energy beam based laser 102 in FIG. 1.

In another embodiment the current supplies 316 or single current supplyare adjustable for adjusting a balance of currents among the pluralityof tubes 304 a-304 d and modifying the magnetic fields 308 across theapertures 314 and within the channel 126 for real-time tuning the outputwavelength 110 of the laser 102. The electric current supply or supplies316 are configured to supply one of continuous electric currents,alternating electric currents or pulsed electric currents.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment, thesubstrate 402 of the exemplary tube 400 useable for the tubes 304 a-304d includes one of an electrical insulator material, a semiconductormaterial, or an electrical conductive material. Examples of thesubstrate material include but are not necessarily limited to magnesiumoxide on metal, aluminum oxide on metal, yttrium oxide on metal, glass,sapphire covered tempered glass, carbon fiber composite, aluminate onmetal, or aluminate on carbon fiber composite.

In accordance with an embodiment, the inside layer 408, if present in aparticular tube 304 a-304 d, and the outside layer 410, if present in aparticular tube 304 a-304 d, includes a superconducting material 412.Examples of the superconducting material 412 include but are notnecessarily limited to a superconducting crystalline material grown onthe surfaces 404 and 406 of the substrate 402. The substrate 402includes any suitable material for growing the superconductingcrystalline material. Examples of forming the inside layer 408 and theoutside layer 410 of superconducting material 412 include asuperconducting metal alloy that is plated on the substrate 402, plasmasprayed on the substrate 402, or thermal-sprayed on the substrate 402.The substrate 402 includes any suitable mechanical frame for thesuperconducting metal alloy. For example, the substrate 402 includes oneof steel, a nickel alloy, carbon fiber composite or other suitable framematerial for the superconducting material 412. In accordance with otherexamples, the superconductors are formed by metalorganic chemical vapordeposition (MOCVD), ion beam assisted deposition (BAD) or othersuperconductor fabrication techniques.

In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus 300 includes a device326 (FIG. 3A) for circulating a coolant 328 between the tubes 304 a-304d. Examples of the coolant 328 include liquid nitrogen or other coolantfor use in cooling superconducting material.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of a tube 500for the exemplary apparatus 300 in FIGS. 3A-3C in in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary tube 500 issimilar to the tube 400 in FIG. 4 except the tube 500 includes anon-cylindrical shape. The exemplary tube 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 issubstantially rectangular shaped with rounded corners and an elongatedslot 512. The exemplary tube 500 could also have square corners andcould be square shaped in other examples. In accordance with otherembodiments, the tube 500 is used for the tubes 304 a-304 d in FIGS.3A-3C. The tube 500 includes a substrate 502 with an inner surface 504and an outer surface 506. An inside layer 508 of electrically conductivematerial 306 or semiconductor material is disposed on the inner surface504 of each substrate 502 of at least those tubes 500 or 304 a-304 dthat enclose another smaller tube of the plurality of tubes 304 a-304 d.An outside layer 510 of electrically conductive material 306 orsemiconductor material is disposed on the outer surface 506 of eachsubstrate 502 of at least those tubes 500 or 304 a-304 d that areenclosed by another larger tube of the plurality of tubes 304 a-304 d.In accordance with another embodiment, the electrically conductivematerial 306 is a superconducting material similar to that previouslydescribed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of nonconcentric tubes 600a-600 b for use in the exemplary apparatus 300 in FIGS. 3A-3C inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Only twoconcentric tubes 600 a and 600 b are shown in FIG. 6 for purposes ofexplaining the embodiment although any number of concentric tubes may beused as described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, an outside layer 410 of electrically conductivematerial 306 on an inner tube 600 b includes a plurality of ridges 602for modulating the electric current 310 flowing in the outside layer 410of electrically conductive material 306 for modifying at least one of afirst magnetic field 308 a or a second magnetic field 308 b across thechannel 126 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102 (FIG.1). However, in other embodiments, the inside layer 408 of electricallyconductive material 306 or the outside layer 410 of electricallyconductive material 306 or both include the plurality of ridges 602 formodulating the electric current 310 flowing in the electricallyconductive material 306 for modifying at least one of the first magneticfield 308 a or the second magnetic field 308 b across the channel 126for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 7A and 7B are each a perspective view of an example of anapparatus 700 for use as a quantum well in a system for generating ahigh power energy beam based laser in accordance with a furtherembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B shows a magnetic ormagnetic or diamagnetic material 720 enclosing a first plurality ofcoils 704 a and a second plurality of coils 704 b respectively woundaround a first toroid 702 a and a second toroid 702 b in FIG. 1A. FIG.7C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIGS. 7A-7Btaken along lines 7C-7C in FIG. 7B. In accordance with an embodiment,the apparatus 700 is used for the apparatus 108 in the system 100 inFIG. 1. The apparatus 700 includes a first toroid 702 a and a secondtoroid 702 b. The first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b includeor are formed from an electrical insulator material. An example of theelectrical insulator material includes but is not necessarily limited toa G10 material or other composite material suitable for cryogenicapplications. The first toroid 702 a corresponds to the first component114 of the apparatus 108 in FIG. 1 and the second toroid 702 bcorresponds to the second component 120. In accordance with otherembodiments, the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b eachinclude a geometric shape other than a circular shape or doughnut shapein a plan view of the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b. Inaccordance with an example, the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid702 b each include an elliptical shape, ellipsoid shape or are oblong inone direction. Other geometric shapes are applicable depending upon theapplication and/or desired distribution of the magnetic field or fieldsassociated with the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b

A first plurality of separate coils 704 a are wound around the firsttoroid 702 a. The first plurality of coils 704 a are placed about acircumference of the first toroid 702 a and each coil 704 a generates afirst magnetic field 706 a in response to electric current 708 (FIG. 7C)flowing in the coil 704 a. The first magnetic field 706 a corresponds tothe first magnetic field 116 in FIG. 1. A second plurality of separatecoils 704 b are wound around the second toroid 702 b. The secondplurality of coils 704 b are placed about a circumference of the secondtoroid 702 b and each coil 704 b generates a second magnetic field 706 bin response to electric current 708 flowing in the coil 704 b. Acircular center opening 710 a of the first toroid 702 a and a circularcenter opening 710 b of the second toroid 702 b are in a same plane andthe second toroid 702 b is disposed adjacent the first toroid 702 a at apredetermined distance (“D”) from the first toroid 702 a as best shownin FIG. 9A.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, the firstplurality of coils 704 a are uniformly spaced about the circumference ofthe first toroid 702 a and the second plurality of coils 704 b areuniformly spaced about the circumference of the second toroid 702 b. Inanother embodiment, the first plurality of coils 704 a and/or the secondplurality of coils 704 b are non-uniformly spaced or are spacedaccording to a preset pattern to provide a particular magnetic fielddistribution within the first toroid 702 a and/or the second toroid 702b.

Referring also to FIG. 7C, the toroid 702 in FIG. 7C corresponds toeither the first toroid 702 a or the second toroid 702 b and the coil704 corresponds to either one of the first plurality of coils 704 a orone of the second plurality of coils 704 b. Each coil 704 includeselectrically conductive material or semiconductor material. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the coils 704 are formed from or includea superconducting material 412 similar to that previously described withrespect to tubes 304 a-304 d and 400 in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4. Each coil 704generates a magnetic field 706 in response to electric current 708flowing in the coil 704. In accordance with an embodiment, a separateelectric current supply 712 is electrically connected to each coil 704.In another embodiment, one electric current supply is configured toindividual feed each coil 704 a associated with the first toroid 702 aand another electric current supply is configured to individually feedeach coil 704 b associated with the second toroid 702 b. In a furtherembodiment, a single electric current supply is configured toindividually feed each coil 704 a and 704 b in both the first toroid 702a and the second toroid 702 b. The electric current supply 712 orsupplies are configured to supply one of continuous electric currents,alternating electric currents or pulsed electric currents. The magneticfield 706 is compressed or has a highest magnetic flux density proximatea center or central region 714 of the coils 704 around a circumferenceof each toroid 702. In accordance with an embodiment, the magnetic ordiamagnetic material 720 includes a differential magnetic permeabilityclose to about zero (0) henries per meter (H/m) for small magnetic fieldamplitude changes to provide a strong magnetic or diamagnetic effect onthe superconductor response of the coils 704.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first toroid 702 a and the secondtoroid 702 b and associated coils 704 a and 704 b around each respectivetoroid 702 a and 702 b include opposite rounded ends 716 connected byopposite elongated sides 718 as best shown in FIG. 7C. Each of the coils704 include a uniform radial width (W). In other embodiments, across-section the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b andassociated coils 704 a and 704 b define different geometric shapesdepending upon the application. For example, the cross-section of thefirst toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b may be circular,elliptical, square or some other geometric shape.

Referring also to FIG. 7B, as previously described, a magnetic ordiamagnetic material 720 encloses the first plurality of coils 704 a andthe second plurality of coils 704 b in FIG. 7A and the first toroid 702a and the second toroid 702 b around which the coils 704 a and 704 b arerespectively wound. An elongated slot 722 is formed in the magnetic ordiamagnetic material 720 at a location 724 (FIG. 7A) where coils 704 ofthe first plurality of coils 704 a and the second plurality of coils 704b are closest. In accordance with an embodiment and as illustrated inFIG. 9A, the elongated slot 722 extends between two adjacent coils 704a′ and 704 a″ of the first plurality of coils 704 a and two adjacentcoils 704 b′ and 704 b″ of the second plurality of coils 704 b. Theelongated slot 722 defines the channel 126 through which the energy beam106 passes to generate the laser 102.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, a first group of the coils 726of the first plurality of coils 704 a and a second group of coils 728 ofthe second plurality of coils 704 b each include a size thatrespectively gradually decrease over a predetermined portion of eachtoroid 702 a and 702 b. A cross-section of each toroid 702 a and 702 bgradually decreases in size over the predetermined portion of eachtoroid 702 a and 702 b in correspondence with the respective gradualdecrease in size of the coils 306 over the predetermine portion 310. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the first group of the coils 726 of thefirst plurality of coils 704 a and the second group of coils 728 of thesecond plurality of coils 704 b gradually decrease in size over abouthalf or less than about half a circumference of each of the first toroid702 a and the second toroid 702 b. The radial widths (“W”) 730 andlengths (“L”) (FIG. 7C) of the coils 704 gradual decrease fromrespective pairs of points 732 and 734 on each toroid that are spacedabout half or less than about half the circumference apart on eachtoroid to modify the first magnetic field 706 a and the second magneticfield 706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength110 of the laser 102. The channel 126 is in a direction traverse orperpendicular to a longitudinal length (“L”) of the elongated slot 722(FIG. 7B).

FIG. 8 is a graph 800 illustrating the magnetic field 706 measuredacross the elongated slot 722 or channel 126 in a direction 736perpendicular to the longitudinal length L of the elongated slot 722 inthe magnetic or diamagnetic material 720 in FIG. 7B. The direction 736in FIG. 7B corresponds to an X direction in the graph 800. Accordingly,the energy beam 106 wiggles back and forth through the elongated slot722 about the X equal zero (0) point due to the changing magnetic fields706 a and 706 b in the elongated slot 722. The energy beam 106 willspend most of its time in regions A and will travel quickly throughregion B in FIG. 8. By causing the magnetic field 706 in region A tovary as an inverse square root, then for most of the time, the energybeam 106 will be in the proper environment to produce lasing.

In accordance with an embodiment, the electric current supply 712 (FIG.7C) is a variable electric current supply electrically connected to atleast coils 704 a and/or 704 b proximate the elongated slot 722 formedin the magnetic or diamagnetic material 720. The electric current 708flowing in the coils 704 a and/or 704 b is modulated to modify at leastone of the first magnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of thelaser 102 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 9A and 9B are each a view of a portion of the apparatus 700 inFIGS. 7A and 7B illustrating an example of the coils 704 being rotatedin the elongated slot 722 or channel 126 of the apparatus 700 to modifythe magnetic fields 706 a and 706 b in the elongated slot 722 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The twoadjacent coils 704 a′ and 704 a″ of the first plurality of separatecoils 704 a and the two adjacent coils 704 b′ and 704 b″ of the secondplurality of separate coils 704 b that are proximate the elongated slot722 or channel 126 are rotated a predetermined number of degrees withrespect to the elongated slot 722 to modify at least one of the firstmagnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706 b in theelongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102(FIG. 1). The elongated slot 722 has a predetermined width (“W”) at thelocation 724 between the closest coils of the first plurality of coils704 a and the second plurality of coils 704 b. In accordance with anembodiment, coil 704 a′ of the first plurality of coils 704 a is rotatedin a clockwise direction as illustrated by arrow 738 in FIG. 9B aboutten degrees (10°) from a normal orientation corresponding with the otherfirst plurality of coils 704 a and coil 704 a″ is rotated in acounterclockwise direction as illustrated by arrow 740 about ten degrees(10°) from a normal orientation corresponding with the other coils 704a. Similarly, coil 704 b′ of the second plurality of coils 704 b isrotated in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated by arrow 742 inFIG. 9B about ten degrees (10°) from its normal orientationcorresponding with the other coils 704 b and coil 704 b″ is rotated in aclockwise direction as illustrated by arrow 744 about ten degrees (10°)from its normal orientation with the other coils 704 b.

In accordance with another embodiment, the predetermined distance “D”(FIG. 9A) between the first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b ordistance between the closest coils of the first plurality of coils 704 aand the second plurality of coils 704 b is changed or adjusted to modifythe first magnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706 b inthe elongated slot 722 or channel 126 for tuning the output wavelength110 of the laser 102 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 10 is a view of a portion of the apparatus 700 in FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrating an example of a segment 746 of magnetic or diamagneticmaterial 720 being inserted into one or more selected locations 748 inthe elongated slot 722 to modify the magnetic fields 706 a and 706 b inthe elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser102 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 is configurable or controllable fortuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102 by at least one of:rotating coils 704 a and/or 704 b proximate the elongated slot 722 orchannel 126 a predetermined number of degrees with respect to theelongated slot 722 or channel 126 to modify at least one of the firstmagnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706 b in theelongated slot 722 or channel 126 for tuning the output wavelength 110of the laser 102; changing, for example, decreasing a radial width ofcoils 704 proximate the elongated slot 722 or channel 126 to modify atleast one of the first magnetic field 706 a and the second magneticfield 706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength110 of the laser 102; adjusting the predetermined distance “D” betweenthe first toroid 702 a and the second toroid 702 b to modify at leastone of the first magnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of thelaser 102; inserting a segment 746 of magnetic or diamagnetic material720 into a selected location 748 or locations in the elongated slot 722to modify at least one of the first magnetic field 706 a and the secondmagnetic field 706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the outputwavelength 110 of the laser 102; and modulating the electric current 708flowing in at least the coils 704 proximate the elongate slot 722 orchannel 126 to modify at least one of the first magnetic field 706 a andthe second magnetic field 706 b in the elongated slot 722 or channel 126for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example of a method 1100 for generating ahigh power energy beam based laser in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In accordance with an embodiment, the method1100 is embodied in and performed by the system 100 in FIG. 1 which indifferent embodiments includes one of the apparatuses 200, 300 or 700.In block 1102, an energy beam is received by an apparatus that isconfigurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of a laseror laser beam generated by the apparatus using the energy beam.

In block 1104, a first magnetic field is produced that is oriented in afirst direction. In block 1106, a second magnetic field is produced thatis oriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the firstdirection. As previously described, in some embodiments, the secondmagnetic field is oriented exactly opposite the first magnetic field. Inother embodiments, the second magnetic field is oriented at some anglethat is different from exactly opposite the first magnetic field at somelocations within the apparatus.

In block 1108, a channel is formed or defined through the apparatusthrough which the energy beam passes. In block 1110, at least one of thefirst magnetic field and the second magnetic field are modified in thechannel for tuning the output wavelength of the laser. In accordancewith different embodiments, the first magnetic field and/or the secondmagnetic field are modified by one or more of the techniques describedherein for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an example of a method 1200 for tuning anoutput wavelength of an energy beam based laser. In block 1202, anapparatus is provided for generating an energy beam based laser. Theapparatus is configurable or controllable for tuning an outputwavelength of the laser. In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatusis similar to the apparatus 700 in FIGS. 7A-7C and 9A-10.

In block 1204, coils 704 a and 704 b proximate the elongated slot 722are rotated a predetermined number of degrees with respect to theelongated slot 722 to modify at least one of the first magnetic field706 a or the second magnetic field 706 b in the elongated slot 722 fortuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser 102.

In block 1206, a radial width 730 of coils 704 a, 704 b proximate theelongated slot 722 is adjusted (increased or decreased) to modify atleast one of the first magnetic field 706 a or the second magnetic field706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 ofthe laser 102.

In block 1208, the predetermined distance (D) between the first toroid702 a and the second toroid 702 b is adjusted to modify at least one ofthe first magnetic field 706 a and the second magnetic field 706 b inthe elongated slot 722 for tuning the output wavelength 110 of the laser102.

In block 1210, a segment 746 of magnetic or diamagnetic material isinserted into a selected location or locations 748 in the elongated slot722 to modify at least one of the first magnetic field 706 a or thesecond magnetic field 706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuning theoutput wavelength 110 of the laser 102.

In block 1212, the electric current 708 flowing in the coils 704 a, 704b is modulated to modify at least one of the first magnetic field 706 aor the second magnetic field 706 b in the elongated slot 722 for tuningthe output wavelength 110 of the laser 102.

The embodiments described herein provide lighter weight and less bulkyimplementations for free-electron lasers. Additionally, the embodimentsdescribed herein provide variable wavelength operation with real-timetenability.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments ofthe disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the”are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of embodiments.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that anyarrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the embodimentshave other applications in other environments. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations. The following claimsare in no way intended to limit the scope of embodiments of thedisclosure to the specific embodiments described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for generating an energy beam based laser, comprising: an apparatus for receiving an energy beam and for generating an energy beam based laser, the apparatus being configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam, the apparatus comprising: a first component for producing a first magnetic field oriented in a first direction, wherein the first component comprises a first toroid; a second component for producing a second magnetic field oriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, wherein the second component comprises a second toroid, a center opening of the first toroid and the second toroid are in a same plane and the second toroid is disposed adjacent the first toroid at a predetermined distance from the first toroid; and a channel through the apparatus defined by the first component and the second component through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser at an output of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configurable or controllable for modifying at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser, the channel being defined within the predetermined distance between the first toroid and the second toroid.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises: a first plurality of separate coils wound around the first toroid, the first plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the first toroid and each coil generating a first magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil; wherein the second component comprises: a second plurality of separate coils wound around the second toroid, the second plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the second toroid and each coil generating a second magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil; wherein the apparatus further comprises: a magnetic or diamagnetic material enclosing the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils; and an elongated slot formed in the magnetic or diamagnetic material at a location where coils of the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils are closest, the elongated slot extending radially between two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separate coils and two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils, wherein the elongated slot defines the channel through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first toroid, the first plurality of coils around the first toroid, the second toroid and the second plurality of coils around the second toroid comprise opposite rounded ends connected by elongated sides.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the coils comprises a uniform radial width.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein a first group of the coils of the first plurality of coils and a second group of coils of the second plurality of coils each comprise a size that respectively gradually decrease over about half or less than about a circumference of each of the first toroid and the second toroid from respective pairs of points on each toroid that are spaced about half or less than about the circumference apart on each toroid to modify the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separate coils and the two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils that are proximate the elongated slot are rotated a predetermined number of degrees with respect to the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance between the first toroid and the second toroid is changed to modify the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein a segment of magnetic or diamagnetic material is inserted into a selected location in the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 9. The system of claim 2, further comprising a variable electric current supply electrically connected to at least coils proximate the elongated slot, wherein the electric current flowing in the coils is modulated to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 10. A system for generating an energy beam based laser, comprising: an apparatus for receiving an energy beam and for generating an energy beam based laser, the apparatus being configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam, the apparatus comprising: a first toroid; a first plurality of separate coils wound around the first toroid, the first plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the first toroid and each coil generating a first magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil; a second toroid; a second plurality of separate coils wound around the second toroid, the second plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the second toroid and each coil generating a second magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil, wherein a circular center opening of the first toroid and the second toroid are in a same plane and the second toroid is disposed adjacent the first toroid at a predetermined distance from the first toroid; a magnetic or diamagnetic material enclosing the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils; and an elongated slot formed in the magnetic or diamagnetic material at a location where coils of the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils are closest, the elongated slot extending radially between two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separate coils and two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils, wherein the elongated slot defines a channel through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser at an output of the apparatus and the apparatus is configurable or controllable for modifying at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configurable or controllable for tuning the output wavelength of the laser by at least one of: rotating coils proximate the elongated slot a predetermined number of degrees with respect to the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser; decreasing a radial width of coils proximate the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser; adjusting the predetermined distance between the first toroid and the second toroid to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser; inserting a segment of magnetic or diamagnetic material into a selected location in the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser; and modulating the electric current flowing in the coils to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 12. A method for generating an energy beam based laser, comprising: receiving an energy beam by an apparatus that is configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of a laser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam, wherein the apparatus comprises a first toroid and a second toroid, a center opening of the first toroid and the second toroid are in a same plane and the second toroid is disposed adjacent the first toroid at a predetermined distance from the first toroid; producing a first magnetic field oriented in a first direction; producing a second magnetic field oriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; defining a channel through the apparatus through which the energy beam passes, the channel being defined within the predetermined distance between the first toroid and the second toroid; and modifying at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the channel for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a first plurality of separate coils is wound around the first toroid, the first plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the first toroid and each coil generating the first magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil, and wherein a second plurality of separate coils is wound around the second toroid, the second plurality of coils being placed about a circumference of the second toroid and each coil generating the second magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the coils comprises a uniform radial width.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein a first group of the coils of the first plurality of coils and a second group of coils of the second plurality of coils each comprise a size that respectively gradually decrease over a predetermined portion of each of the first toroid and the second toroid to modify the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined distance between the first toroid and the second toroid is changed to modify the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils are enclosed in a magnetic or a diamagnetic material and an elongated slot is formed in the magnetic or the diamagnetic material at a location where coils of the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils are closest, the elongated slot extending radially between two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separate coils and two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils, wherein the elongated slot defines the channel through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the two adjacent coils of the first plurality of separate coils and the two adjacent coils of the second plurality of separate coils that are proximate the elongated slot are rotated a predetermined number of degrees with respect to the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein a segment of magnetic or diamagnetic material is inserted into a selected location in the elongated slot to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising a variable electric current supply electrically connected to at least coils proximate the elongated slot, wherein the electric current flowing in the coils is modulated to modify at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field in the elongated slot for tuning the output wavelength of the laser. 